Eagles all-pro OT Jason Peters ruptures Achilles tendon

The Eagles announced Friday that Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles tendon this week while training in Texas.

He will undergo surgery on his right leg on April 2 for an injury which typically takes from 9-12 months to heal.

Peters, a Pro Bowler in each of the last five seasons, allowed one sack in 2011 and was instrumental in LeSean McCoy's 1,309-yard rushing season.

The announcement puts in perspective the Friday decision to retain OT King Dunlap, who has agreed to a one-year deal. Dunlap, a seventh-round pick in 2009, played in 12 games last season, starting twice.

In a statement released by the team, coach Andy Reid said the Eagles will test free agency for a replacement.

"Jason is one of the best, if not the best, offensive tackle in the NFL," Reid said. "We don't know when he will return to the field and we will not speculate on a timeline. We are just going to let the surgical process and the rehabilitation process play itself out.

"(General manager) Howie (Roseman) and I will sort out the roster situation for the offensive line. We are glad to have King back as a part of our offensive line and we will continue to scan the free agent market, also knowing the draft is less than a month away."

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About Nate Davis

Nate Davis is a reporter, blogger and editor who's been at USA TODAY since 2000. He has covered the NFL since 2005. No, he did not play quarterback for Ball State. Davis' succession of our esteemed colleague Sean Leahy at The Huddle is considered a Brady-for-Bledsoe swap by most "insiders."More about Nate